Paterson set to face France

Chris Paterson is poised to shrug off the injury which kept him out of Gloucester's game against Wasps in time to face France on Sunday.

The utility back missed out on the narrow victory over Ian McGeechan's side with a dead leg but will be fit to take his place in Scotland's team for the RBS 6 Nations opener at Murrayfield.

With Northampton's Sean Lamont injured, Paterson - whose goalkicking is vital to the Scotland cause - is likely to be selected on the wing by coach Frank Hadden with Rory Lamont at full-back and Simon Webster on the other wing.

Rory Lawson was again in fine form for Dean Ryan's men at scrum-half and he might squeeze out Perpignan's Chris Cusiter as reserve to first-choice No 9 Mike Blair.

Meanwhile Lamont and captain Jason White both came through Sale's victory over Harlequins unscathed and join up with the national squad in good spirits ahead of the clash with France.

Lamont supplied the pass for Oriol Ripol's try in the first half while back-rower White looked back to his best after his long battle back from injury.

After losing their Under-20s Six Nations crown to England Under-20s in a thrilling final round, France Under-20s lock Tristan Labouteley insists his side will be out for revenge at this year's Junior World Championship.